Students urged to join EAC writing competition

By Francis Emorut                                                   

KAMPALA -Students have been encouraged to participate in the East African Community (EAC) essay-writing competition to broaden their understanding of regional integration issues and become better researchers.

The call was sounded by the principal education officer at the EAC secretariat, Aloysius Chebet.

Chebet pointed out that with the students' participation in the regional essay writing competition, their understanding of regional matters improves as they involve themselves to do research on a given topic.​

The EAC principal education officer was speaking during the prize-giving ceremony for the 10th and 11th essay writing competition organized by the ministry of education science, technology and sports.

The function took place at Namboole Sports Hotel in Kampala.

Chebet observed that participants also stand to gain – money prize, equipment for their schools as well as pride for the parents and the nation at large.

In addition, the best students have a rare handshake opportunity with the presidents of the partner states during the prize-awarding ceremonies.
 

Edar Ategeka (R), a student of St. Mary's College, Kisubi won a $200 cash prize in the essay-writing competition. Here, his mother receives a computer. (Credit: Francis Emorut)

The directors of Luyanzi College Bweyogerere handing over a certificate to Asaph Murungi a student of Bishop Secondary School after winning $150 in EAC essay competition. (Credit: Francis Emorut)

From the latest competition, winners received cash prizes and computers for their schools in the presence of their parents and teachers.

This time, schools from upcountry also took part.

They included: St. Elizabeth Girls Secondary School Kidetok in Serere district, Kyenjojo Secondary School, and Arua Public Secondary School, and others.

Chebet underlined the importance of essay writing competition as a channel of uniting the people of the EAC.

The regional bloc comprises of five countries Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda and Burundi.

Martin Osuban, the principal education officer in the education ministry told guests that the essay writing competition is intended to create awareness about the EAC.

He said it also helps students to analyze issues of regional integration from their own perspective, taking into account its benefits and challenges.